Craniosynostosis and nutrient intake during pregnancy.
Suzan L Carmichael1, Sonja A Rasmussen, Edward J Lammer
1California Research Division, March of Dimes Foundation, Oakland, California, USA. scarmichael@stanford.edu
Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and Molecular Teratology
|September 16, 2010
Summary
Maternal intake of folic acid supplements did not link to craniosynostosis. However, specific dietary nutrients like riboflavin and vitamins B6, E, and C may influence sagittal synostosis risk.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Craniosynostosis is a birth defect involving premature fusion of skull sutures.
- Maternal factors, including nutrient intake, are investigated for their role in craniosynostosis etiology.
- Folic acid supplementation is a known preventive measure for neural tube defects, prompting research into its role in other congenital anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal intake of folic acid supplements and dietary nutrients with the risk of craniosynostosis.
- To explore potential differences in nutrient associations based on the specific type of craniosynostosis (sagittal, metopic, coronal).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study utilizing data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (1997-2005).
- Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis cases (n=815) were compared to population-based controls (n=6789).
- Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), controlling for various maternal and demographic factors.
Main Results:
- Maternal folic acid supplement intake showed no association with craniosynostosis.
- Higher dietary intake of riboflavin, vitamins B6, E, and C was associated with a significantly lower risk of sagittal synostosis.
- Increased intake of choline and vitamin B12 was linked to a higher risk of metopic synostosis, while methionine and vitamin C intake correlated with lower coronal synostosis risk.
Conclusions:
- Dietary intake of specific nutrients, beyond folic acid, may play a role in the development of craniosynostosis.
- The association between nutrient intake and craniosynostosis appears to be dependent on the specific skull suture involved.
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